Speech Pathology and Audiology FAQs

See Board Rules 609-2 and 609-3 

The non-refundable application fee payable to Georgia State Board Of Speech-Language Pathology/Audiology must be included with application. 

NOTARIZED APPLICATION: The application must be mailed to the Board’s office at the address listed, along with your FEE. All questions must be answered. Any question answered “yes” requires further documentation to be submitted. Attach copies of official court documents and an explanation if you have had any criminal convictions or charges, or sanctions by another state licensing board. Approval of licensure is at the Board’s discretion. 

COLLEGE TRANSCRIPTS: Applicants for Examination/PCE must have an official transcript from each academic institution attended. Doctorate, Master, and undergraduate transcripts are required and must include the degree and date conferred. 

CLINICAL CLOCK HOURS: Applicants for Examination/PCE must have a copy of clinical practicum hours with signature from academic institution. 

PRAXIS SCORES: Applicants for Examination/PCE must submit an original report of the Praxis scores either with your application or upon completion of your PCE Please be sure to select the appropriate code with ETS to have your PRAXIS scores sent to the Georgia Board. If you do not select the appropriate code, your scores will not be sent to our office. It is the licensure candidates’ responsibility to assure that his/her PRAXIS scores are sent to the Georgia Board. 

OTHER STATE LICENSURE CERTIFICATION: If you are or have ever been licensed in another state, you must contact every state and have them provide verification of licensure directly to the Georgia Board office. If your state is on the approved list, a state certification is all that is needed. If your state is on the disapproved list, you cannot be considered for licensure by endorsement; only by ASHA or PCE. 

ASHA VERIFICATIONS: Applicants for licensure by ASHA Certification (CCC’s) must provide the form titled VERIFICATON OF CERTICATION and/or a copy of the CDR Card sent directly to the Board. The initial certification date must be within 2 years from the date the application for licensure is received in the Board Office or you must provide documentation of having completed 20 hours of continuing education within the past 2 years.

NATIONWIDE FINGERPRINT BACKGROUND CHECK RESULTS: Each applicant for licensure as a Speech-Language Pathologist or Audiologist shall register and provide fingerprints for a nationwide criminal background check to be conducted at the applicant's expense. The instructions and vendor for the background check can be found in the document on the Board's website (same location you downloaded this application from) and linked to on the Board's homepage - "Background-Fingerprint Instructions."

*NOTE: This is a new requirement under O.C.G.A. 43-44-6(a)(14) and O.C.G.A. 43-44-8(a)(6). failure to comply with this requirement will delay the processing of this application for licensure and may result in the application being denied.

See Board Rule 609-3-.07 Licensure Without Examination 

NOTARIZED APPLICATION: The application must be mailed to the Board’s office at the address listed above, along with the fee. All questions must be answered. Any question answered “yes” requires further documentation to be submitted. Attach copies of official court documents and an explanation if you have had any criminal convictions or charges, or sanctions by another state licensing board. Approval of licensure is at the Board’s discretion. 

OTHER STATE LICENSURE CERTIFICATION: If you are or have ever been licensed in another state, you must contact every state and have them provide verification of licensure directly to the Georgia Board office. If your state is on the approved list, you may apply by endorsement. If your state is on the disapproved list, you cannot be considered for licensure by endorsement.

NATIONWIDE FINGERPRINT BACKGROUND CHECK RESULTS: Each applicant for licensure as a Speech-Language Pathologist or Audiologist shall register and provide fingerprints for a nationwide criminal background check to be conducted at the applicant's expense. The instructions and vendor for the background check can be found in the document on the Board's website (same location you downloaded this application from) and linked to on the Board's homepage - "Background-Fingerprint Instructions."

*NOTE: This is a new requirement under O.C.G.A. 43-44-6(a)(14) and O.C.G.A. 43-44-8(a)(6). failure to comply with this requirement will delay the processing of this application for licensure and may result in the application being denied.

Please allow up to 15 business days for the initial processing of your application. If your application requires Board review, it can take longer.

See Board Rule Chapter 609-3.

COLLEGE TRANSCRIPTS: Applicants for licensure must request your educational institution to submit to the Board official transcript from each academic institution attended. Master and undergraduate transcripts are required & must include the degree and date conferred.

See Board Rule 609-3-.04.

APPLICATION FOR PCE FELLOW TEMPORARY LICENSE: If applicant is applying for Examination/PCE, the Application for PCE/RPE must be completed. This form must be and signed by both the applicant and supervisor. If your PCE is within the school system, you must submit school calendars for the current and upcoming year. 

CLINICAL CLOCK HOURS: Applicants for Examination/PCE must have a copy of clinical practicum hours with signature from academic institution.

Contact www.ETS.org 

*PRAXIS SCORES: Applicants for Examination/PCE must submit an original report of the Praxis scores either with your application or upon completion of your PCE, Please be sure to select the appropriate code with ETS to have your PRAXIS scores sent to the Georgia Board. If you do not select the appropriate code, your scores will not be sent to our office. It is the licensure candidates’ responsibility to assure that his/her PRAXIS scores are sent to the Georgia Board.

Visit www.ETS.org.

Not specified in Georgia laws or rules.

Visit www.ETS.org.

No.

See Board Rule Chapter 609-3. 

Renewal is required by March 31 of the odd number years. . Late renewal is allowed April 1 – 30^th of odd numbered years.

See Board Rule 609-7-.01 for the specific CE requirements. 

A continuing education unit (CEU) is defined as 10 clock hours of continuing professional education. CEU hours may not be carried over from one licensure biennium to the next. 

2.0 CEUs (20 clock hours) is required during each biennium period for the renewal of licensure. 

Individuals who hold licenses in both Speech-Language Pathology and in Audiology shall be required to complete a minimum of 2.0 CEUs in Speech-Language Pathology and 2.0 CEUs in Audiology. 

CEU requirements for newly approved license holders will be pro-rated during the first biennium licensure period as follows: 

Licensees whose applications are approved during the first 6 months of the biennium will be required to accrue 2 CEUs. 

Licensees approved during the second 6 months of the biennium will be required to accrue 1 ½ CEUs. 

Licensees approved during the third six months of the biennium will be required to accrue 1 CEU.

Licensees approved during the final 6 months are not required to accrue CEUs until the following licensure biennium. 

CEU hours must be in educational experiences directly related to the scope of practice of the licensee.

See Board Rule Chapter 609-8. 

Your license will lapse on May 1^st of odd numbered years following the late renewal period and is considered lapsed effective with the expiration date of March 31st after the renewal year and you will be required to reinstate. If you practice with a lapsed license, the Board may sanction/discipline you for unlicensed practice.

See Board Rule Chapter 609-8. 

NOTARIZED APPLICATION: The application must be mailed to the Board’s office at the address listed above, along with your fee. All questions must be answered. Any question answered “yes” requires further documentation to be submitted. Attach copies of official court documents and an explanation if you have had any criminal convictions or charges, or sanctions by another state licensing board. Approval of licensure is at the Board’s discretion. 

CONTINUING EDUCATION: You must meet the criteria as outlined in Board Rule 609-8-.03 to be considered for reinstatement of your license. This rule can be viewed on our website listed above. You must submit copies of continuing education certificates and descriptions of courses taken. 

EXPLANATION OF LAPSED LICENSE: You must provide a letter explaining why your license was not renewed in a timely manner accounting for all the time since expiration, names of all employers, and duties performed by you as an employee. If you have not been employed as a Speech-Language Pathologist or Audiologist since the expiration of your license, please explain also.

See Georgia law, O.C.G.A. § 43-44-3.

See Board Rule 609-6-.01. 

NOTARIZED APPLICATION: The application must be mailed to the Board’s office at the address listed above, along the non-refundable application fee. All questions must be answered. Any question answered “yes” requires further documentation to be submitted. Attach copies of official court documents and an explanation if you have had any criminal convictions or charges, or sanctions by another state licensing board. Approval of licensure is at the Board’s discretion. 

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS: The applicant must submit a copy of the high school 
diploma, GED Certificate or college transcript(s). 

JOB DESCRIPTION: A job description listing the specific duties of the Speech-Language 
Pathology Aide. 

SUPERVISOR’S DUTIES: The supervisor must retain two years of documentation of the 
indirect or direct supervisory activities. This documentation may be requested during a 
renewal audit

See Board Rule 609-6-.02.

NOTARIZED APPLICATION: The application must be mailed to the Board’s office at the address listed above, along with the required fee. All questions must be answered. Any question answered “yes” requires further documentation to be submitted. Attach copies of official court documents and an explanation if you have had any criminal convictions or charges, or sanctions by another state licensing board. Approval of registration is at the Board’s discretion. 

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS: The applicant must submit a copy of the college transcript, or certification in health care from a technical school approved by the Board, or certification of completion of an Audiology Assistant Program approved by the Board. 

JOB DESCRIPTION: A job description listing the specific duties and activities to be performed by the Audiology Assistant. 

SUPERVISOR’S DUTIES: The supervisor must: 
*Submit a description of a minimum of 40 hours of proposed instruction in specific duties and activities the assistant will perform. 
*Once the application is approved, submit within 30 days of completion the verification statement (Form D) that training was satisfactorily completed. 
*Retain documentation of the indirect or direct supervisory activities for two years.

• ASHA – American Speech Language Hearing Association 
• RPE – Required Professional Experience 
• PCE – Paid Clinical Experience

Please log into your account in GOALS to request a license verification.  You must also provide  $35.00 fee. 

Visit the How to Guide: Hearing Aid Dispenser page for more information.

Hearing Aid Training Permit: A 6 month permit to practice under the DIRECT SUPERVISION AND IMMEDIATE OBSERVATION of a licensed Georgia Hearing Aid Dispenser. This permit is renewable every 6 months. Submit the application, fee, and supervising dispensers’ statement. 

NOTE: You will NOT be made eligible to register and sit for any of the required exams for full licensure as a Training Permit holder. 

Hearing Aid Apprentice Permit: Submit an application, the fee, and all supporting documents required. A 1-year permit that is not renewable and can be issue only one time. Practice once the permit is issued is ONLY under the indirect supervision of a Georgia licensed hearing aid dispenser. The permit will only be issued after the applicant has taken and passed the Georgia Laws and Rules exam, the Audiogram exam, and the Georgia Practical exam. 

Hearing Aid Dispensers License: Submit a completed application for licensure by examination, the required fee and all supporting documents as explained in the Board rules and on the application forms available on our board's page. When the application is complete, you will be made eligible to sit for the required exams: The Audiogram, Jurisprudence (Laws & Rules) and Practical Exams administered by PSI. The ILE national exam administered by IHS. 

NEW: All applicants for a Dispensers license MUST complete a fingerprint background check. See the instructions on how to register and complete this new requirement on the same webpage you found the applications and other forms. 

If you currently hold a license in another state or jurisdiction, submit an official verification of licensure from every state you hold or have held a license to practice in, active or not. You may use the form in the application, or the submitting licensure entity may use their own forms or documentation. Verification of licensure in another state or jurisdiction may also be e-mailed to the Board to [email protected]. 

Applicants must provide information on the sponsoring dealership they will be employed by once licensed.

The Audiogram, Georgia Jurisprudence (Laws & Rules) and Practical Exams are administered by PSI. Contact PSI @ www.psiexams.com. IHS administers the national ILE exam. You can find out more details at www.ihsinfo.org. 

Where do I send verification of licensure from other states and entities? Verification of Licensure from other state licensure Boards or regulatory entities may be e-mailed to the Georgia Board of HADD's to [email protected].

Each applicant for licensure as a dispenser must register and provide fingerprints for a nationwide criminal background check to be conducted at the applicants’ expense. The instructions and vendor for the background check can be reviewed by clicking HERE. The background check is required for dispenser applicants only, not for apprentice or training permit applicants. If you complete a background check as an apprentice or training permit applicant, you will be required to complete another background check when you apply for dispenser.   

Failure to comply with this requirement will delay the processing of this application for licensure and may result in the application being denied.

Please refer to the current fee schedule. 

Please allow up to 15 business days for the administrative staff to process and issue approved licenses for passing exam candidates whose application file is otherwise complete.

No.

1. NAME CHANGES: 

• A request for a name change for licensees must be submitted in writing by fax to 866-888-7127, by e-mail to [email protected]  or by USPS mail service to the Board at 237 Coliseum Drive, Macon, GA 31217-3858, and must be accompanied by a copy (no original documents will be returned) of the legal document affecting the name change (i.e. divorce decree, marriage certificate). 
• A request for a name change for a Dealership: a new application, the non-refundable fee, and all supporting documents be submitted to the Board. The dealership may print a copy of the license indicating the new name, or request one from the Board ($25 fee to accompany written request) of the license once approved by the Board. 

2. ADDRESS CHANGES: 

• The Board will accept mailing and physical address changes for licensees by USPS mail service to the Board @ 237 Coliseum Drive, Macon, GA 31217-3858, by e-mail to [email protected], or by fax to 866-888-7127. You may also use the online address & e-mail updates feature. 
• Physical address changes for dealerships cannot be completed online or by fax. Any physical address change for a dealership requires the submission of a new application; the non-refundable fee and all supporting documents to the Board, 237 Coliseum Drive, Macon, GA 31217-3858 (refer to rule 276-4-.02). A written statement requesting the closure of the prior location is required. A new license will be issued to the new locations dealership once approved by the Board. Online changes to a dealerships physical location address will not be accepted nor recognized by the Board.

Visit the How to Guide: Hearing Aid Dispenser page for more renewal information on renewing DISPENSER licenses.

Complete the renewal application online or request a paper renewal form be mailed to you by calling 404-424-9966. All licenses will expire December 31st of every odd numbered year. See the Fee Schedule for the current renewal fee. A late renewal period is available to licensees from January 1st - 31st of even numbered years. An additional penalty amount is charged for all late renewals (see fee schedule). After the late renewal period, all non-renewed licenses are administratively lapsed. Once lapsed, the licensee must apply for reinstatement.

Effective January 1, 2016, 20 hours of Continuing Education are required for the renewal of a Dispensers license. A random number of renewing licensees will be selected for a Continuing Education Hours Audit (Dispensers only). Only those Hearing Aid Dispensers randomly selected for Continuing Education audit must submit proof of their continuing education credits. You will receive specific instructions if you are chosen for an audit.

Please log into your account in GOALS to request a license verification.  You must also provide  $35.00 fee. 

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